Digital Saturday Workshop: IMAGE TECH for dancers ® with Alexandra Wells

IMAGE TECH (IT) is a weight-bearing, somatic technique consisting of standing exercises that increase awareness, alignment, and stability while preparing dancers for vertical dance techniques. It focuses on imagery to create energetic directions. It was originally created to connect the dots between Alexander Technique, the work of Irene Dowd, and ballet class. The method addresses how one incorporates the important information of these supplemental techniques into their body while standing and provides significant groundwork for dancing.

Synthesizing what has been studied and taught to dancers over the past 20 years to enhance their training, for me, this is inclusive of Alexander Technique, anatomical applications from Irene Dowd, kinesiology, physical therapy, and proprioceptive exercises. My goal has been to integrate this vast body of knowledge into something practical and useable. IT brings the application of “the best” of the aforementioned tools, neuro-science, and biomechanical understanding into the classroom to prepare dancers for their classes. It is composed of an organized sequence of standing exercises to precede the rigors of vertical, weight-bearing technique classes such as ballet, jazz, Horton, Graham, Limón, and Cunningham. The codified order and language were created to be used daily, though even a short 5-10 minutes can set up a more experienced dancer for their day. IT in practice is a methodology that can be applied throughout the entirety of the dance class.

The practice itself consists of the use of dynamic directions and energetic imagery. The dancer uses tactile prompts to trigger muscle groups that stabilize and facilitate proper and efficient alignment, affording dancers stability and allowing them to release unneeded tension. Sequences of varying lengths consist of non-demonstrative exercises executed while standing and address both parallel and rotated positions, demi-pointe, plié, and transfer of weight. IT increases possibilities for all physiques. With the use of imagery and directional suggestions, a dancer can replace unhealthy habits (i.e. posture and movement initiations) with healthy ones. IT builds a dancer’s autonomy by providing them with the tools for self-correction in other vertical techniques.

“… Image Tech has provided me with a deeper understanding of my body. With Image tech as the foundation, I have been able to trust my anatomical structure, giving me a newfound confidence across multiple forms of dance… providing me with the necessary versatility required as a rep company dancer.” – Dancer Alex Soulliere

More information: https://imagetechfordancers.com

About Alexandra Wells

Alexandra Wells is the Senior Director of Training and Company Advisor for Gibney, Founder and Artistic Director of Springboard Danse Montréal, and the Creator of IMAGE TECH for dancers. From 2017 – 2020 served as the Director of Artist Training at Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. Under her direction, Hubbard Street Professional Program (HS Pro) responded to the needs of dancers entering the current job market. By curating relevant methodologies, techniques, and mentors, HS Pro connected emerging artists to leaders in the field who empowered them to become advocates within an evolving landscape.

Alexandra is a mentor to many emerging and established artists in the field. Additionally, she serves on the Artistic Advisory Council for MOVE|NYC| and is the Artist Curator and an Honorary Board Member of The Legacy Project – celebrating the work of the iconic Canadian artist and choreographer Margie Gillis.

Alexandra was a full-time faculty member and rehearsal director at The Juilliard School for 18 years. She was also the Concept & Artistic Director of the Movement Invention Project from its inception through 2017. She was on faculty at SUNY Purchase College, served as the Interim Director of l’École Supérieure de Danse du Québec, and was the Rehearsal Director for Ballet Hispanico following a long international performance career. As Principal dancer of the Ballet National de Nancy, Ms. Wells toured the world and formed lasting partnerships with the late Rudolf Nureyev and Patrick Dupont.

About Gibney’s Training Program

Through the cultivation of an inclusive and positive space, our offerings make space for exploration, risk-taking, personal and artistic growth, connection, and fun. It is our priority to listen to and support our community and to empower the future leaders of the field. Learn more.

Gibney encourages people with disabilities to attend online classes, and we welcome the opportunity to make this event more accessible. Live captioning through Otter Transcription is available for all online classes by request. If you have any questions or access needs, please email us at classes@gibneydance.org or call us at 212-677-8560 (voice only) 24 hours in advance of the class you plan to attend.